Taking turns stacking blocks
1–2 yearsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Four to six blocks
Build a tower together by taking turns placing blocks. You place one block, then your child places one. Count the blocks together as you build. This combines turn-taking with a satisfying shared goal. Your child practices waiting while creating something together.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Build a tower together by taking turns placing blocks. You place one block, then your child places one. Count the blocks together as you build. This combines turn-taking with a satisfying shared goal. Your child practices waiting while creating something together.
Why It Works
Turn-taking during construction activities builds both cool cognitive control and hot emotional regulation. Task persistence predicts later educational and occupational attainment, even after controlling for intelligence and social background (Duckworth & Carlson, 2013). Shared building activities teach toddlers to persist through a task while managing the impulse to grab or rush.
Tips for Parents
Start with just three to four blocks total so the activity stays brief.
Let your child knock down the tower at the end for extra fun.
Praise both the waiting and the building to reinforce both skills.
Materials Needed
Four to six blocks
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentMontessori Practical Life Activities
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